Bin Tagging is here!
Good news — bin tagging has arrived in our Town, and it’s all about helping residents build confidence with correct waste sorting – especially FOGO and recycling, which play a big role in reducing landfill and supporting a circular economy.
Bin tagging is a long-running, state government-funded education program delivered by local governments to help residents improve the way they sort their waste. Since 2015, it has supported households with practical, personalised feedback — helping reduce contamination, boost recycling and keep valuable materials out of landfill.
Bin tagging is educational only; there are no fines or penalties. Waste Education Officers do a quick, non-intrusive check of the top of your kerbside bins on collection day and leave a handy feedback tag with simple tips to help you improve.
How bin tagging works
- Only around 10% of household bins are selected
- Checks are quick and non-intrusive — we only look at the top of the bin on collection day
- We don’t dig through bins
- No personal details are recorded
- A feedback tag is left on the bin lid with simple, helpful tips
Why it matters
Correct sorting makes a big difference. Bin tagging has been shown to:
- Improve recycling rates by up to 25%
- Reduce contamination by up to 60%
This helps make the most of our FOGO and recycling systems, supports a circular economy and reduces landfill.
Win while you sort
We’re adding a little extra incentive — households that sort their waste correctly go in the draw to win:
- Weekly $50 vouchers
- One $200 overall prize
Check out the T&Cs here.
Helpful waste tips
- Only use fully compostable liners in your FOGO kitchen caddy
- Keep recycling items loose in the bin — don’t bag them
Pop-up events
To make it even easier to get personalised tips, we’re also hosting a series of pop-up events across the Town, where Waste Education Officers will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance in person:
- Community Day
Sunday 22 February, 10am-2pm
John Macmillan Park
- Standalone pop-up
Wednesday 4 March, 9-11am
Archer St Carpark
- Standalone pop-up
Monday 9 March, 9-11am
Lathlain Skate Park
- Standalone pop-up
Thursday 12 March, 9-11am
Aqualife
- Vic Park Farmers Market
Sunday 15 March, 8am-12pm
John Macmillan Park
Bin schedule
| Bin |
Lid colour |
Collection frequency |
| FOGO |
Lime green |
Weekly |
| General waste |
Red (or some older bins have dark green lids) |
Fortnightly |
| Recycling |
Yellow |
Fortnightly (alternating with general waste) |
Make sure to check your bin calendar when you receive your waste guide, or visit our bin collections page here.
FAQs
Why is the Town engaging in bin tagging?
Sorting waste can be confusing — and we want to help.
Bin tagging helps clear up common misconceptions about what goes in each bin, while providing friendly, individual feedback to households. It also celebrates the many residents who are already sorting their waste correctly.
Reducing contamination helps our recycling and FOGO systems work better and can reduce waste service costs over time — which benefits the whole community.
When will the program run?
The program will run for six weeks, from 16 February to 30 March 2026.
What information is on the tags?
Each bin type has its own tag, showing what is and isn’t accepted in that bin.
There’s also space for Waste Education Officers to leave simple, written feedback to help you improve your sorting.
Is bin tagging an invasion of privacy?
No. Once your bin is placed on the verge for collection, it becomes local government property.
Checks are visual only, non-invasive, and no personal information is collected.
What is considered bin contamination?
Bin contamination occurs when incorrect or unsafe items are placed in your kerbside bins.
Some contamination can create safety risks, damage equipment, or result in entire loads of recycling or FOGO being sent to landfill.
Examples include:
- Hazardous waste
- Green waste in the recycling bin
- Nappies or sanitary products in recycling or FOGO bins
What happens if there is contamination in my bin?
If incorrect items are visible, our Waste Education Officers will leave a sad-face tag with clear tips on what needs to change next time.
Bin tagging is education-only — there are no fines or penalties involved.
Only in cases of repeated, severe contamination will a bin be taped shut and the resident asked to remove the incorrect items before it can be emptied. This step is taken as a last resort, after feedback has already been provided, to help protect the integrity of the recycling and FOGO systems.
Why can't hazardous waste go in my kerbside bin?
Hazardous waste can pose serious risks to waste collectors and workers at recycling facilities. Some items can:
- Cause fires in collection trucks
- Create health risks for staff
- Contaminate FOGO and recycling loads
- Result in entire loads being sent to landfill
For everyone’s safety, these items must not be placed in kerbside bins.
What is considered hazardous waste?
Examples include:
Biohazards
- Disposable nappies
- Sanitary products
- Medical waste
These items are a health risk to workers and contaminate recycling and FOGO streams. They must be placed in your general waste bin.
Other hazardous household items
- Batteries
- Aerosols
- Paint
- Oil
- Battery-operated toys
- Battery-operated lights
These items can start fires and pose a serious risk to collection crews.
Will I get fined?
No. Bin tagging is about learning and improvement, not punishment.
There are no fines or penalties associated with this program.
For more information, visit our Waste page.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Town on 9311 8111 or at admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au.
This program is delivered in partnership with the WA Local Government Association.